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CRITIK

Sonic Origins Plus

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Sonic Origins Plus
Item: Sonic Origins Plus
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 23, 2023

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperSega

Overview

Sonic Origins Plus is an updated version of Sonic Origins that includes the Plus Expansion Pack. Unlike Sonic Mania Plus, Sonic Origins Plus can be bought digitally on PC as a single purchase like the console versions, while the base game continues to be available on it's own. Digital versions of Sonic Origins on all platforms can be upgraded to Plus by purchasing the Plus Expansion Pack separately. Experience the collected adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog in the newly remastered Sonic Origins Plus! With 16 legendary Sonic titles including 12 game gear games, new playable characters, modes, challenges, behind the scenes content, and more, this is the definitive way to play these classic games! Sonic Origins Plus will be available as an all-in-one bundle in both digital and premium physical editions that include the Sonic Origins base game and the Plus Expansion Pack, featuring 12 Sonic Game Gear titles, playable Knuckles in Sonic CD, and for the first time ever, Amy Rose as a playable character in Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD! This pack also includes previously released add-on content: Extreme Missions, Mirror Mode, new character animations, and additional backgrounds and music. The premium physical release marks the first time any version of Sonic Origins was available on physical media. Released for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Switch, in addition to including the complete version of Sonic Origins Plus on a disc/cartridge it also comes packaged with a reversible cover with alternate box art, an art book and an outer sleeve.

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Sonic Origins Plus are generally positive. Many critics praise the addition of Amy Rose as a playable character, with Gamers Heroes describing it as a "most-welcome addition to the series" and Digital Chumps mentioning that playing as Amy is fun and enjoyable. The inclusion of Knuckles in Sonic CD is also well-received, with Noisy Pixel stating that his inclusion was as expected. The side-scrolling, platforming gameplay of the classic Sonic games is praised by multiple critics, including GamingBolt, who mentions the satisfying momentum and hazards to deal with. The gameplay challenges and new character abilities are also highlighted positively by GameSpew. The base games are described as classic and enjoyable, with Push Square mentioning that they play just as great as they did back in the day. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the gameplay of Sonic Origins Plus. The Game Gear games receive criticism from TheXboxHub and COGconnected, who mention that they are poor in comparison to the original releases and lack a sense of speed. COGconnected goes as far as to say that the Game Gear games are sluggish and make the reviewer physically ill. The Game Gear games are also criticized by LevelUp for not aging well and Digitally Downloaded for having issues with cheap ports and limited gameplay. The Mako Reactor mentions audio issues and the lack of options to adjust the display or scaling in the Game Gear games. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Sonic Origins Plus offers a variety of gameplay experiences, with a mix of classic 2D Sonic gameplay and new additions. The addition of Amy Rose and Knuckles as playable characters is widely praised, as they bring unique gameplay mechanics and add new ways to experience the games. The gameplay of the original Sonic games is highly regarded, with praise for the challenging level design and the satisfying momentum. However, the Game Gear games receive mixed reviews, with some critics finding them lacking in comparison to the original releases. Despite the negative opinions regarding the Game Gear games, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Sonic Origins Plus is positive, with critics like Press Start Australia and TierraGamer praising the gameplay and the addition of new modes and options.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Sonic Origins Plus for its classic Sonic gameplay, praising the addition of Amy Rose and Knuckles. The side-scrolling platforming and challenging levels are highlighted as top-notch by various reviewers. However, the Game Gear games face criticism for being sluggish and lacking speed, with some even causing physical discomfort. Overall, the game offers a mix of nostalgia and new experiences, with positive feedback on the base games and new character abilities.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the positives, several critics praised the graphical improvements and visual presentation in Sonic Origins Plus. Gamers Heroes mentioned improved graphical flourishes in the Anniversary Mode, while Generación Xbox praised the adaptation of graphics for modern screens. Digital Chumps specifically complimented the fantastic and detailed sprites of Amy Rose, highlighting the high-quality animations and incorporation of high-speed platforming without deviating from the classic Sonic games' fun qualities. Press Start Australia also commended the sharpness and animations in the game. On the other hand, there were some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design. Noisy Pixel pointed out performance issues and limited screen space affecting level design in the Game Gear titles. SomosXbox mentioned that the graphics could have been improved, particularly in terms of screen resolution and the inclusion of classic filters. COGconnected described the Game Gear games as "ugly," with Sonic Blast being labeled as the ugliest Sonic game ever seen. Push Square criticized the screen crunch and frame rate dips in the Game Gear games compared to the improvements made in the base Origins bundle. The Mako Reactor criticized the poor scaling of the games in the collection and the lack of display or scaling options for the Game Gear titles. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards positive sentiments regarding the graphics and visual design of Sonic Origins Plus. The praise for improved graphics, visual presentation, and meticulous updates to pixel art and controls suggests that the game offers an enjoyable visual experience. Critics such as IGN Adria, The Games Machine, and Nintendojo specifically highlighted the aging well and stunning presentation of the games. However, the negative feedback regarding the Game Gear titles' graphics, including issues with performance, screen crunch, and lack of display options, does indicate areas where the game could have been improved. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment suggests that the graphics and visual design of Sonic Origins Plus are generally well-received by reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praised Sonic Origins Plus for its improved graphics and visual presentation, with high-quality animations and sharpness highlighted. However, some negative feedback focused on performance issues and limited screen space in Game Gear titles, with suggestions for improvements in screen resolution and classic filters. Overall, reviewers generally found the game's graphics and visual design to be positive, though there were areas for potential enhancement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the positives, some critics praised the nostalgic and evocative soundtrack of Sonic Origins Plus. Generación Xbox mentioned that the soundtrack brought back childhood memories, while IGN Adria described it as unforgettable. Additionally, Everyeye.it highlighted the inclusion of additional music and a music library as part of the Premium Fun and Classic Music DLC. These positive comments indicate that the game successfully captures the essence of the original Sonic games through its music. However, there were several negative comments regarding the sound design and music of Sonic Origins Plus. Multiple critics criticized the audio quality and stability of the Game Gear titles. Noisy Pixel and Digital Chumps mentioned issues such as distorted audio, stuttering gameplay, and weird lags. TheXboxHub went further to criticize the sound design of the Game Gear games, stating that they sounded terrible and lacked any attempt to clean up the original releases. SomosXbox also noted issues with audio channels being duplicated, affecting the original sound. These negative remarks highlight the technical flaws and lack of attention to detail in the sound design of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Sonic Origins Plus have both positive and negative aspects. While some critics appreciated the nostalgic and memorable soundtrack, others criticized the audio quality and stability of the Game Gear titles. The inclusion of additional music and a music library was seen as a positive aspect by Everyeye.it. However, the technical flaws and lack of effort in improving the sound from the original releases were major points of criticism, as mentioned by TheXboxHub and Digital Chumps. The mixed opinions suggest that while the game succeeds in capturing the nostalgia of the original Sonic games, it falls short in terms of sound quality and design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised Sonic Origins Plus for its nostalgic soundtrack, but also criticized audio quality and stability issues in the Game Gear titles. While some appreciated the additional music, others found technical flaws like distorted audio and duplicated channels. The game captures the essence of original Sonic games but falls short in sound design and quality, receiving mixed reviews from critics.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Sonic Origins Plus, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics for each gaming platform. Starting with the positives, on the PlayStation 5, Press Start Australia praises the impeccable performance and stability of the game. The Mako Reactor also highlights the fast loading times and support for Activity Cards on the PS5. On the Nintendo Switch, Meristation states that no bugs or glitches were encountered during gameplay. These positive comments indicate that the game performs well on these platforms, providing a smooth and stable experience. However, there are also several negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance on different gaming platforms. On PC, Gamers Heroes and Noisy Pixel criticize the poor port job of the Game Gear titles, with issues such as slowdown and inconsistent performance. Digital Chumps mentions stuttering gameplay, weird lags, and distorted audio in the Game Gear titles on the PS5, suggesting that additional updates are needed to address these issues. Nintendo Life reports issues with visual glitches, screen crunch, and frame drops in the Game Gear games on the Nintendo Switch. These negative comments highlight technical shortcomings and performance issues that detract from the overall experience on these platforms. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of Sonic Origins Plus is mixed. While some critics, such as Press Start Australia and The Escapist, praise the performance and stability of the game, others, like Digital Chumps and Nintendo Life, point out various technical issues and shortcomings. It is worth noting that some critics, such as Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it, mention minor emulation issues but still consider the additions to be welcome. This suggests that while there are technical concerns, the overall sentiment leans towards an acceptance of the game's performance, with room for improvement. It is advisable for players to be aware of the potential technical issues on their respective gaming platforms before purchasing Sonic Origins Plus.

TL;DR

technical performance

Sonic Origins Plus gets mixed reviews for technical performance. Critics praise stability on PS5 and bug-free gameplay on Switch, but PC and PS5 versions face issues like slowdown and glitches. Overall, opinions vary, with some critics highlighting minor problems while others point out significant technical issues. Players should be cautious about potential technical hiccups before buying.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Sonic Origins Plus are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as Generación Xbox, SomosXbox, TheXboxHub, Digital Chumps, God is a Geek, Multiplayer.it, Press Start Australia, The Escapist, The Games Machine, TierraGamer, and Vandal, mention the presence of additional content, challenges, missions, and unlockables that contribute to the replay value of the game. These elements provide players with new gameplay experiences and incentives to revisit the game. The inclusion of new playable characters, such as Classic Amy and Knuckles, is also mentioned as a positive aspect that can change how the games are played and add replay value. On the other hand, some critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Sonic Origins Plus. Gamers Heroes mentions the lack of additional missions or games, making the package light on content. Noisy Pixel points out that some games have mediocre level design and limited staying power. COGconnected criticizes the Game Gear games, stating that they are mostly awful and not worth the price. Digitally Downloaded adds that the Game Gear games may not occupy players for more than a few minutes. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the game may not contribute significantly to the overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Sonic Origins Plus offers some replay value through the inclusion of additional content, challenges, missions, unlockables, and new playable characters. The positive aspects mentioned by various critics outweigh the negative opinions expressed by a few. Critics such as TheXboxHub, Digital Chumps, and God is a Geek highlight the variety of missions, objectives, and unlockable content, which add to the replay value. The inclusion of the Game Gear games is also seen as a major incentive by critics like Vandal and Meristation. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as Gamers Heroes and Noisy Pixel, express concerns about the lack of additional missions, mediocre level design, and limited staying power in certain games. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is that Sonic Origins Plus provides enough additional content and challenges to make it worth playing for fans of the franchise and those who enjoy revisiting classic games.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Sonic Origins Plus. Positive feedback includes praise for additional content, challenges, and new playable characters like Classic Amy and Knuckles. However, some critics criticize the lack of missions and mediocre level design in certain games. Overall, the game offers replay value through various elements, making it enjoyable for fans of the franchise and classic game enthusiasts.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Sonic Origins Plus, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the inclusion of Amy Rose as a playable character, with reviewers such as Gamers Heroes and TheXboxHub mentioning how her addition changes the gameplay and showcases the timeless nature of the games. Additionally, critics like SomosXbox and Digital Chumps appreciated the improved versions of the classic games and the additional content offered in the compilation. The inclusion of bug fixes and added features also garnered positive remarks from reviewers like Meristation. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects highlighted by critics. One common criticism was the pricing and locked content behind paid DLC, as expressed by Noisy Pixel and COGconnected. The quality of the emulated Game Gear titles was also criticized by Digital Chumps and GamingBolt, with the latter mentioning the lack of modernization. The limited selection of games in the collection was another point of contention, mentioned by God is a Geek and LevelUp. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some reviewers like Areajugones and Press Start Australia consider Sonic Origins Plus a worthwhile purchase for fans of the franchise, others like GamingBolt and GamingTrend feel that it may not offer much for the average fan. The positive aspects of the compilation, such as improved versions of classic games and added content, were acknowledged by multiple critics. However, the negative aspects, including pricing, locked content, and the quality of certain titles, were also mentioned by several reviewers. Ultimately, it seems that Sonic Origins Plus appeals more to fans of the series who may have missed the original release or are looking to relive past glories, rather than offering a definitive experience for all players.

TL;DR

Sonic Origins Plus gets mixed reviews from critics: praised for new features and improved classics, but criticized for pricing, locked content, and game selection. Fans may enjoy it for nostalgia, but not a must-have for everyone.

CRITIK

Reviews

58 reviews found

Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

Jul 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review suggests that if you don't have any Sonic games and want to experience or relive past glories, Sonic Origins Plus is worth purchasing. For those who already bought last year's Sonic Origins, the review advises to compare the differences and decide if the additions in Plus are worth it. The review also mentions the enjoyment of sharing childhood memories with children through this collection.

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Areajugones

PlayStation 5

Jun 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Origins Plus is a true gem for Sonic fans, offering hours of fun and nostalgia.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Jul 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Sonic Origins Plus is a solid package and rates it 8.5 out of 10.

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Meristation

Nintendo Switch

Jul 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Origins Plus is a good compilation of classic Sonic games with added features and bug fixes. It is recommended for fans and those who missed out on Sonic Origins.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Jun 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Sonic Origins Plus an overall score of 8.5/10, slightly lower than its predecessor. It mentions that while it is a great anthology overall, it falls short of being definitive due to the quality of the emulated Game Gear titles and the lack of Genesis and Master System titles. The review also suggests waiting for updates before considering the upgrade for existing Sonic Origins owners.

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Everyeye.it

PlayStation 5

Jun 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Sonic Origins Plus is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the franchise who missed the previous edition, but others should consider their options.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 5

Jun 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Sonic Origins Plus is recommended for fans of the series, despite the slightly high price.

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Vandal

PlayStation 5

Jun 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Sonic Origins Plus is a fantastic collection with some improvements that could be made.